The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word ESTEEMED
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
E
S
T
E
E
M
E
D
More clues leading to the result ESTEEMED
- European, on rise, meets eastern Democrat, much-admired
- Came down hard on drugs, did judge
- Highly rated Eastern horse Nutmeg’s invested in
- Respected guide meets excursion group going back inside
- Tees out on eastern sea shown respect
- Admired English horse covering miles with energy
- Half of bees swarmed? Well judged
- Respected European premier answers back journalist
- Respected heads of European states reportedly co-operated
- Prestigious encounters in river on the rise
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Highly rated" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case highly rated = esteemed.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does ESTEEMED mean?
ESTEEMED verb- To set a high value on; to regard with respect or reverence.
- To regard something as valuable; to prize.
- To look upon something in a particular way.
- To judge; to estimate; to appraise
- Respected, having respect or admiration from others.